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The contest runs through June 15, 2013. The “Find Your Inner Chef” contest encourages consumers to submit their own favorite recipe, using Del Monte fresh fruits and vegetables, and gives participants a chance to win the coveted “Del Monte Fresh Chef” title and a gastronomical retreat for two at a renowned culinary institute.

Daily winners will be selected as part of the contest, giving participants an opportunity to cash in on retailer gift cards, culinary kitchen tools, tabletop appliances, and more.

Additionally, four weekly finalists will be selected, one each week for four weeks, based on the number of recipe Facebook “likes” and retweets the entrant generates.

The four finalists will be flown to Miami, where they will participate in the Del Monte Fresh Produce Cook Off Challenge and compete for the grand prize.

Judges for the Cook Off Challenge will include, among others, retailers, Produce for Better Health Foundation representatives, and a local chef.

“Del Monte knows that several of our consumers are chefs in their own right, serving up delicious, nutritious meals for their families and friends,” says Dennis Christou, vice president of marketing, North America for Del Monte. “So we created this contest specifically with them in mind.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for consumers to tap their culinary creative juices, show off their cooking skills using Del Monte fresh produce, and share healthy new recipes,” he adds. “We are more than excited to meet our very first Del Monte Fresh Chef.”

Before participants make a dash to the kitchen, they must first enter to win. All they have to do is “like” and complete the pop-up registration form on Del Monte’s Fresh Produce Facebook page and submit a copy of their original, healthy recipe, using Del Monte fresh produce.

Photo submissions are also encouraged but not necessary. Submissions will be accepted beginning April 15, and closing on June 15.

Consumers will be encouraged to purchase ingredients for their master chef creation from participating grocery stores, giving grocers an opportunity to participate locally.

To encourage traffic to their stores and alert shoppers about the chef promotion, retailers are encouraged to use the “Find Your Inner Chef” logo in their weekly printed and online advertising, e-newsletters, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and POS to help promote their participation in the contest.